A charity that helps men who are struggling to cope by offering a safe and confidential space has supported almost 200 men in Congleton.
Mentell meets at the town hall for two hours each Thursday evening, giving participants the chance to talk or simply listen with no pressure and no judgement.
Each circle is run by a Mentell facilitator — volunteers who have undergone extensive in-house training.
A spokesperson for Congleton Mentell said: “To date, almost 200 men from Congleton have signed up for support through Mentell. We’ve seen first-hand the power of community in helping men open up.”
Once someone signs up to a local Mentell circle, they can join the weekly sessions. A facilitator opens the meeting before each person is given the opportunity to speak, with no obligation. There is a break halfway through, and at the end a few simple reminders are shared.
As demand for Mentell grew, the charity produced a video at its annual retreat for facilitators, held in rolling hills and woodland. The retreat included relaxation sessions such as head massages, meditation, deep breathing exercises and “forest bathing”, alongside group talks around a campfire.
During the film, facilitators spoke about how Mentell had helped them. One said it gave him the chance to strengthen his marriage and family relationships.
Nick explained: “Mentell means to me support, companionship, somewhere I can go and be totally honest with others and myself. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t joined Mentell.”
Daniel added: “I think Mentell has provided a really incredible place for me to feel the sense of community. I think it’s a little oasis in a crazy world.”
Facilitator Paul said Mentell had “given me a purpose besides family life and work etc,” while Darren explained: “My life now is 100 times better; I’m a better person, I deal with sticky situations and hard details a lot easier. I’m in a miles better place.”
Another facilitator described how he took on the role because of the progress he made as a member: “Having achieved that, I thought I would enjoy giving something of myself back into Mentell.”
One man at the retreat said: “My journey to becoming a facilitator has been a lot of fun. It’s been full of learning and very supportive. I’ve appreciated the flexibility and kindness that’s been shown. I’ve been able to do it at my own pace. I haven’t been rushed or pressured, which makes me more able to be present for other men as well.”
Another said: “I feel I can speak and communicate, which I couldn’t do three years ago. Without Mentell, I wouldn’t have the life I’ve got now. I can’t ask for anything more.”
Sitting around a fire after dark, one man reflected: “We don’t have many opportunities now as men to sit around a fire. The combination of being connected and together has been really settling.”
Added another: “I think the highlight has been the camaraderie. We’re all from very different walks of life but we’re all on the same journey, and it really focuses on the fact that we’re here to help each other.”
Mentell said the response from those at the retreat “captures the connection, honesty, and transformation that happens when men are given the space to simply be themselves”.
Co-founder and director Andy Walker said: “For generations, men gathered around fires and shared stories. That’s how we learned, healed, and stayed connected. We’ve lost that. We don’t invite the neighbours round anymore. We don’t talk. But deep down, we’re wired for it.
“A bunch of blokes sitting in a circle talking about life sounds weird until you do it. Then you realise it’s the most normal thing in the world.
“We provide spaces for men to talk about life. There’s no pressure, no fixing, no labels, just listening. At the end of the night, everyone leaves feeling a little bit lighter.”
The Congleton circle meets at the town hall on Thursdays from 7–9pm. Mentell’s online circles can be accessed for free on Mondays via Zoom at 7pm.
The charity also provides a referral service for those with a friend, partner or colleague who has expressed that they are struggling, feeling stressed or fed up with life.
To arrange a referral call, their first and last name is required along with an email address, phone number and hometown of the man the support is for. Those making the referral must talk to them first and make sure it’s ok to go ahead.
For more information, visit mentell.org.uk.
